The Special Adviser to the Governor of Benue State on International Investments, Sir Alex Addingi has announced plans to donate N32.5m worth of oil palm seedlings in Buruku Local Government Area (LGA) as part of efforts to boost the Alia Palm Revolution in the state.
Last year, Benue State Governor Fr. Hyacinth Alia initiated the Alia Palm Revolution, an initiative that saw the planting of 46,000 oil palm seedlings in the state’s 23 LGAs. He targets planting one million oil palm seedlings per year.
Sir Addingi, who has been championing Oil Palm, a.k.a. Black Gold Revolution in the state since 2012, told TNT that his donation, which translates to 1000 oil palms per council ward in Buruku LGA, is “in alignment with the governor’s vision.” Buruku LGA has 13 council wards.
“This move builds on the foundation laid in the previous year, during which the government distributed 2,000 oil palm seedlings to each of the 23 Local Government Areas in the state.
“That effort was intended to introduce communities to oil palm’s economic and environmental value and stimulate local participation in agro-based wealth creation.
“Now, with the full launch of the Green Palm Revolution, the Governor is scaling up the initiative from a modest beginning to a comprehensive, statewide strategy,” Sir Addingi told TNT.
According to Sir Addingi, last year’s efforts laid the groundwork, while his efforts under Fr. Alia’s leadership are “focused on mass participation, community ownership, and sustainable impact. Planting one million oil palm trees each year is a developmental target and a strategic shift toward positioning Benue as a key player in Nigeria’s oil palm economy.
“Governor Alia’s message is clear—every ward, every household, and every leader must take part in this agricultural revolution. By working together and staying committed to this vision, Benue State can look forward to a future of increased productivity, economic opportunity, and environmental renewal.”
Elsewhere, the Convener of Benue Open Governance Society (BOGS), Mr. Sam Agwa, has said that Sir Addingi’s efforts represent “a practical demonstration of how government officials are expected to lead the (governor’s) charge in their respective communities.”
